Holy Cross parishioners asked to put off goodbye parties as Fr. Parker refuses to leave

BATAVIA TOWNSHIP – Parishioners and Knights of Columbus from Holy Cross Catholic Church in Batavia Township are holding off their planned weekend goodbye parties for their beloved priest, Rev. James Parker – because he is not leaving.

Though he has been told by the Rockford Diocese that his last day is June 15, in a note to church members, Parker said he is not going anywhere.

“I was appointed by His Excellency the Bishop of Rockford to serve you as your Pastor,” Parker’s message states.

“This appointment was indefinite in term, meaning that unless I resign, die in office, am removed, transferred, or become impeded from govern the flock, I legally remain your pastor according to the Canon Law,” Parker wrote.

“I have not received from Bishop (David) Malloy any written decree at all notifying me of any change in my status as Pastor of Holy Cross Parish, or notifying me of the appointment of a parochial administrator,” Parker wrote. “Until I will have received one that is valid in issuance and legitimate in notification, I have an obligation not to abandon you, my flock.”

Parker’s note stated when he initially told the flock that a change in church leadership was coming, it was via a verbal instruction, nothing written.

“As a result, I ask that you please do not plan any going away parties for this weekend,” Parker wrote. “I will keep you up to date on any changes in the future, if and when I should receive any written decree according to Canon Law.”

Kevin Callahan, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 2191, notified council of Parker’s request.

“We are postponing the pizza party and pancake breakfast for another date,” Callahan’s message stated. “We will not have a farewell party or Honor Guard for this weekend’s masses.”

Parishioners have held candlelight and prayer vigils at the church, and have gone to the diocese in Rockford to pray in public to show their support for Parker.

In a statement, the diocese said it is routine for priests to be reassigned.

However, in Parker’s case, he was notified he was being removed, not that he had another ministry – which turned out to be another area of upset for parishioners.

Several said they did not know there were seven priests sidelined in the last nine years – priests removed from parishes but not assigned anywhere – and they did not want that to happen to Parker.